60 Second Recap is an interesting concept that I must first say is done very well regardless of it's value as a powerful educational tool It takes complex tasks such as retelling the key ideas and provocative concepts behind famous pieces of literature such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and breaks them down into 60 second videos for the time poor learner. Is it for everyone? I don't think so??? but it definitely has a a place for disengaged teenagers. Here is the official word from the team behind it.

The 60second Recap aims to break this cycle of canonical irrelevance. We want to help teens (yes, teens of all ages!) engage with literature. We want to help them see it not as some chore to be endured, but as -- dare we say it? -- the gift of a lifetime. How? Through the language of our time -- the language of video. Video that's focused, engaging, informative ... and short enough to hold just about anyone's attention.

Smirk if you must. Consider this yet another mile-marker on civilization’s road to perdition. But here's the fact: You won't get non-readers to read by forcing them to read more. You'll get them to read by opening their eyes to the marvels awaiting them between the covers of that homework assignment.

With the 60second Recap, teens finally have an alternative to the boring, text-based study guides that have burdened them for generations. And -- who knows? -- maybe that's just what they'll need to begin a love affair with literature, one that will last a lifetime.

Mission

The 60second Recap wants to make the great works of literature accessible, relevant, and, frankly, irresistible to today's teens. Through our 60second Recap™ video albums, we seek to help teens engage with the best books out there ... not just to help them get better grades, but to help them build better lives.

Love it or hate it you really need to see it. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Is it a step forwards or backwards?